Seek the Enchanted Antlers

By Jack Scoltock

One Mid-summers day three Teenagers decide to climb Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal, Ireland.
On top of the mountain, they have the adventure of their young lives.
Who are the Staggas, and why is one of the teenagers changing?
What are the Chookies?
This exciting, fast-paced story from Derry's most published children's author will be enjoyed by all ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack Scoltock
• Release date: Mar 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311185730

Jack Scoltock

Jack Scoltock is one of Irelands best fantasy writers for children of all ages.He was born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1942. He is married with two grown-up children.Jack has many books on the Amazon, Smashwords and Draft2digital.A scuba diver for over forty years, Jack was one of the divers who found a Spanish Armada wreck in Donegal in 1971. Inspired by a small leather boot found on the wreck, Jack wrote one of his best historical stories about a boy who stows away on an Armada galleon. The Sand Clocker (Spanish Armada Stowaway), is one of Scoltock’s most popular history books.Now retired, Jack Scoltock spends his free time writing.Challenge of the Red Unicorn, Davey's siege (a siege of Derry story), Perry's Adventure, Justine's Secret Challenge, Seek the Enchanted Antlers, Back To Neverland, are among some of the best of Jacks stories.

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Seek the Enchanted Antlers

Copyright 20165Jack Scoltock

Published by Jack Scoltock at Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including, photography, filming, recording, photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, or shall not by way of trade or otherwise be lent, resold, or otherwise circulated in any All rights reserved. No part of this book may be utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without prior permission in writing from the publisher, Jack Scoltock. The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

1

Rising early, Johnny pushed his long red hair back from his green eyes, reached for his jeans and pulled them on. He could hear Lady his collie barking in the back yard. Going to his wardrobe, he selected a sweatshirt with the words, Derry, City of Culture emblazoned on the chest and pulling it over his head he hurried into the bathroom. After brushing his teeth and washing the sleep from his eyes, he paused, wondering why he was in such a hurry. Then he remembered. It was Midsummer Day. Today, he, Sinead and Joe were going to climb Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal.

Downstairs he found his sister Sinead already in the kitchen.

Lady's fed, she said crossly, her green eyes flashing.

I thought it was my turn? Johnny responded, putting two slices of bread into the toaster.

It was, but we were supposed to head off early. It's nearly nine. I fed Lady. You can do it tomorrow.

Why didn't you call me? he asked.

I did loads of times.

I never heard you.

The discussion was interrupted by the arrival of their friend Joe at the back door. He was fourteen, the same age as Sinead and a year younger than Johnny.

Are you ready? he asked.

Lazy bones here is only up, Sinead told him.

Ach, sure we've plenty of time, said Johnny. Do you want a slice of toast, Joe?

No, I'm OK My aunt made me a good breakfast.

I've the flask of tea all ready, said Sinead. I'll start on the sandwiches now.

Joe gave her a hand as Johnny ate his breakfast.

Joe Gorman was an orphan. He lived with Miss Gorman, a retired school teacher. Her brother Patrick and his wife had adopted Joe, then they had died in a terrible car crash and she had taken her adopted nephew in. Miss Gorman and Joe found each other tolerable.

It's a brilliant day outside. A great day for the climb. How long do you think it will take us, Johnny? Joe asked.

Best part of two hours, maybe more, Johnny mumbled through a mouthful of toast.

Lady knows we're going, Sinead said, looking through the kitchen window at the barking dog.

Ach, how does she? Johnny said, winking at Joe who grinned.

She knows, that's all, Sinead said, her lips tightening the way they always did when she knew she was right. It's a pity she can't come with us.

How about another cup of tea? said her brother, holding out his cup to her.

Get it yourself. I'm busy, Sinead told him indignantly but good humouredly. She was really looking forward to the climb. They had spent their holidays in the old farmhouse ever since their early childhood. They had never yet climbed the mountain.

When's mummy and daddy due back? Johnny asked, rising and going to the cooker.

They're away up to Derry for the groceries. They'll be back around four.

We've stacks of time then, eh? Johnny said, pouring another cup of tea.

Right, exclaimed Sinead, that's the sandwiches made. Come on, Johnny. It's well after nine. We're missing the best part of the day.

OK, OK, I'm coming. I'll just get my boots, and then I'll be ready, Johnny said, swallowing his tea quickly. Rinsing out his cup he left it on the draining board.

I'll go out to Lady for a while until you're ready, Joe said rising. He was impatient to go.

As Johnny ran upstairs to get his boots, Sinead washed her hands at the sink. Looking through the window she saw Joe, his curly black hair falling over his eyes as he petted the frisky excited Lady.

After drying her hands Sinead packed the flask and sandwiches into Johnny's rucksack, and then went out to Joe and Lady.

The sun was already hot and she wondered should she leave her brown leather jacket. She wore a white tee-shirt and blue jeans, tight on her slim hips. Around her waist was a plain black belt. On her feet were faded blue runners.

Joe wore a light blue denim jacket with a battered C.N.D. badge pinned to the lapel. His black jeans were threadbare and tattered, and he too wore runners.

As Sinead came over to Joe she stopped. He was staring up at the mountain. He had a strange look on his face.

What is it, Joe? Sinead asked as Lady barked and jumped all around her.

Eh? Joe said, shaking his head. He stared at her. Oh... oh nothing. It's nothing. Then he smiled. It's a great day for the climb, isn't it?

Sinead smiled back at him. Then, pushing back her shoulder length auburn hair and shading her eyes, she gazed up at the mountain.

Right then, are we ready? Johnny asked as he came banging through the back door.

We're ready, but you're not, Sinead said. Your rucksack's on the kitchen table.

As Johnny, with a loud, Whoops! ran back inside, Sinead tied Lady to a peg. The long rope allowed her dog the freedom of the yard.

Two minutes later the three of them were heading up the road to the lower hills.

2

The purple-heathered hills rang with summer sounds. Bees, spoiled for choice droned past them and there were rabbits everywhere. Soon they reached the bottom of Mount Errigal. The path they had chosen to climb was a steep shingle strewn path and was the easiest way up.

Right, let's get started, Johnny said, hiking his rucksack up tighter on his broad shoulders. Sinead turned to Joe. His face was pale. Beads of sweat stood out like dewdrops on his brow. His dark eyes stared up at the peak of Errigal. He's afraid, thought Sinead, her eyes widening. Why?

Joe, are you OK? she asked.

Joe turned and looked blankly at her.

OK? Yes, I'm OK. It's just... It's just... you know the feeling you get when you think you've been someplace before?

Deja vu. That's what you call it. I learned about it last winter at school.

Well that's the way I feel... felt, just now, Joe said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Are you two coming or what? shouted Johnny, quickly moving up the path.

Come on, Joe said smiling, and with a relieved sigh, Sinead followed him.

Johnny pushed quickly on. Joe and Sinead did their best to keep up with him.

****

An hour later they were more than half-way up. Ahead of them lay the steeper part of the climb.

Another around fifteen minutes later, the three of them were on all fours, climbing slower now. The backs of their legs were beginning to ache.

****

After almost another fifteen minutes Johnny stopped and sat down. Seconds later Joe and Sinead flopped down beside him.

Whew, Sinead exclaimed. It's a lot harder than I thought... but look! Look at the view.

They all gazed down at the valley below. Away to their left they saw the rambling glen. A trickling stream splashed its way through the turf fields towards Letterkenny. Tiny lochs sparkled in the warm sunlight. A few white-washed cottages were dotted around the quilts of green to their right. The only sound that could be heard was the light warm breeze that blew across the mountain.

It's nearly half past eleven, Johnny said looking at his watch. Come on, let's get started again.

Quickly Joe got to his feet. Then suddenly he let out a gasp. Doubling over